Gainesville, Florida, December 31, 2025
The Florida Gators football program is facing significant changes as multiple key players, including quarterback DJ Lagway and edge rusher Jayden Woods, have announced their entry into the NCAA Transfer Portal prior to its opening. The departures reflect a transitional period for the Gators as they prepare for a new season under head coach Jon Sumrall. With vital positions now open, the program will need to focus on strategic recruiting and player development to maintain competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference.
Gainesville, Florida – Florida Gators Face Significant Player Departures Ahead of Transfer Portal Opening
The Florida Gators football program is undergoing major shifts as several key players have declared their intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal prior to its official opening on January 2, 2026. In a move that signals a transitional phase, starting quarterback DJ Lagway, standout edge rusher Jayden Woods, and wide receiver Tank Hawkins will be leaving the program, among others.
Key Departures
- DJ Lagway, Quarterback: After a challenging sophomore season, Lagway has chosen to enter the transfer portal. He completed 63% of his passes for 2,264 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions over 12 games in 2025.
- Jayden Woods, Edge Rusher: Woods, a freshman standout, recorded 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and an interception in his debut season, showcasing potential that could have contributed to the Gators’ future successes.
- Tank Hawkins, Wide Receiver: Hawkins saw limited action in 2025, playing four games and recording two catches for 16 yards. He opted to preserve his redshirt season by stepping back from the remainder of the year.
Additional Departures
- Eugene Wilson III, Wide Receiver: Wilson gathered 1,043 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons, but injuries hindered his performance in recent campaigns.
- Jordan Castell, Safety: A notable mention as a 2023 Freshman All-SEC selection, Castell started 35 of 36 games over the past three years, contributing 54 tackles and two interceptions in 2025.
- Grayson Howard, Linebacker: Transferring from South Carolina, Howard started nine games in 2024, registering 37 tackles and a sack, with one year of eligibility remaining.
- Shari Denson, Defensive Back: Denson participated in 36 games across three seasons, starting 11 times in 2025, with one interception and four pass breakups.
- Hayden Hansen, Tight End: Hansen was a reliable blocker, starting 34 of his last 37 games, making 45 catches for 461 yards and three touchdowns over two seasons.
- Michai Boireau, Defensive Lineman: Boireau recorded 35 tackles and two sacks while playing nine games in 2025.
- KD Daniels, Running Back: Daniels appeared in 13 games over two seasons, totaling 31 touches for 122 yards and one touchdown in the past year.
- Amir Jackson, Tight End: Jackson competed in 15 games over the last two seasons, making three catches for 29 yards. Although he initially planned on transferring, he later opted to remain with Florida.
- Naeshaun Montgomery, Wide Receiver: Montgomery, who played four games in 2025, is likely to redshirt this upcoming season and has four years of eligibility left.
- Teddy Foster, Defensive Back: Foster participated in 11 games over two seasons.
- Muizz Tounkara, Wide Receiver: Tounkara had limited exposure, playing in eight games with two catches.
- Jamroc Grimsley, Defensive Back: Grimsley logged five games over two seasons.
- Devon Manuel, Offensive Lineman: Manuel played in four games in two seasons after transferring from Arkansas.
- Tarvorise Brown, Defensive Lineman: Brown played three games this season after coming on as a walk-on.
- Josiah Davis, Defensive Back: Davis did not see action in the current season after participating in four games as a freshman.
- Noel Portnjagin, Offensive Lineman: Portnjagin did not play in 2025 after a single appearance in 2024.
- Marcus Mascoll, Offensive Lineman: Mascoll has yet to make an appearance in his two seasons with the Gators.
- Enoch Wangony, Offensive Lineman: Wangony did not play during his time with the team, having reclassified to enroll early.
- Chad Gasper Jr., Running Back: Gasper did not see any game action this season.
- Jackson Wade, Wide Receiver: Wade participated in 16 games as a walk-on.
- Mike Peterson Jr., Wide Receiver: Peterson did not play this season as a walk-on freshman.
Implications for the Program
The departures of these players pose considerable challenges for the Gators as they gear up for the upcoming season under new head coach Jon Sumrall. The team will need to focus on addressing these critical gaps through effective recruiting and player development if they hope to remain competitive in the Southeastern Conference.
Related News
- DJ Lagway to enter transfer portal: Florida QB departs after coaching change
- Gators to Lose Two Offensive Backups to Portal
- Florida to lose 6th defensive back to transfer portal
FAQ
Which key players have announced their intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal?
Key players include quarterback DJ Lagway, edge rusher Jayden Woods, and wide receiver Tank Hawkins.
What were DJ Lagway’s statistics during the 2025 season?
Lagway completed 63% of his passes for 2,264 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions over 12 games.
How did Jayden Woods perform in his freshman season?
Woods recorded 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and an interception, earning Freshman All-SEC honors.
What is the status of Tank Hawkins?
Hawkins played in four games in 2025, recording two catches for 16 yards, and opted to preserve his redshirt season by opting out of the remainder of the year.
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